The Crypt houses in its darkest depths a collection of Cthulhu Mythos fiction and poetry. Do you dare enter the dark catacombs of man's inner-most terrors? Beware, travelers, for that which resides in the Crypt is enough to send even the strongest heart screaming into the night. To view a story, select a title from the list below. A separate window will appear with the story in it.
Bones of a Toad by Michael Minnis
Martyrs, heroes, rebels—all willing to give everything they have to bring the change they so believe in. But is the price of freedom and revenge too steep when you deal with your very soul? A tale of hellish reprisal and rotting decay by Michael Minnis set in the 1300s.
The Children of Cambridge, Parts I-VI by Jim Hawley
Something horrible has come to Cambridge, threatening to destroy the very threads of reality. The last of the decayed Whateleys and Nyarlathotep consummate the most terrifying of unions in this serial by Jim Hawley.
Part I of the Children of Cambridge
Part II of the Children of Cambridge
Part III of the Children of Cambridge
Part IV of the Children of Cambridge
Part V of the Children of Cambridge
Part VI of the Children of Cambridge
The Curse of the Elizabeth Jane by Jonathan Turner
Fever ravishes all in its path, yet it is nothing compared to the curse buried within the corpse of the Elizabeth Jane. Death by delirium is a blessing if you are hunted by darkness, the sweet kiss of disease is nothing compared to the terror of being trapped in a cell while the hounds are on the hunt.
Dark Paths to Arkham by Ron Shiflet
The NetherReal is proud to present a collection of poetry from Ron Shiflet, each a new vision of terror in the world of New England's darkest secret. Travel the roads to insanity with Ron as he enlightens weary travelers to take care before they lose their very soul.
The Devouring of S'lithik Hhai by John Fultz
The kingdom of the lizard-men of S'lithik Hhai existed before the dawn of man, but few know of its exact demise. Tsathoggua and Zothoqqua exact a deadly vengeance on those who harm their minions in this tale by John Fultz.
Eternal Vacation by Brandon Seifert
Why do people always insist on working during their vacation? Doing so can be very hazardous, especially when it involves a very old, very upset Mi-Go. Check out this tale of psychic misfortune by Brandon Seifert.
The Feast by Alexander Wallis
An elder evil stalks the night to quench its thirst for blood. It watches you through slitted eyes while licking its cold lips and razor sharp incisors; confident that it is truly the most evil of creatures. Just how evil one is, though, is strictly in the eye of the beholder. Maybe one shouldn't be so hasty to judge...
The Final Pronunciation by Bruce Turlish
Many have speculated that Lovecraft wrote of a very real world that lingers just beyond the edge of man's ability to comprehend the terror which surrounds him. What if this were true, and the only thing holding us back from that truth was the ability to say the words as they were meant to be said. A tale of the finality of just a few spoken words which portend the end of the world by Bruce Turlish.
The Folks of Innsmouth by Frank Searight
Innsmouth, that strange, mysterious seaport no one really wants to visit, but still... A study into the lives of the less fortunate folk of the town done in prose by Frank Searight. This is one of Frank's ongoing projects here at the NetherReal so check back often.
Forces of Change by J.B. Lee
Two misfits, outcasts, geniuses, savants. What could they possibly have in common that would promise to bring the world to its knees begging to be spared? A metallic roar deafens the unbelievers and promises death in its most terrible glory in this tale of discovery and obsession.
The Hoppwood Tenant by Stanley Sargent
Even monsters just want to be left alone. Two men with nothing to do find out the hard way that you've got to respect other's privacy, no matter how obscure the tale. Legends based in cold, deadly fact lives in the pits of the most ancient of burial mounds in this humorous tale of terror.
Horror of Cresthaven Hollow by Damion Bishop
What ghosts haunt us, what thrills do we seek in our youth? Everyone has a haunted house or mysterious glen in their neighborhood, but is it really wise to see if the stories are true?
Innsmouth Wood by Michael Minnis
Nothing good ever came out of Innsmouth, even antiques bought at dirt cheap prices. What seems a bargain is exactly that, except exactly who is the bargain with, anyways? From the modern master of Mythos macabre, Michael Minnis.
Kingdom of the Black Lotus by John R. Fultz
In the true tradition of H.P. Lovecraft and Lord Dunsany, enter the world of drug-induced horror and supreme sacrifice. A short story by John R. Fultz.
Knuckerhole by Michael Minnis
World War II was hard on the people of England, and harder on its children. But the war was nothing compared to the guest of honor hiding in the Knuckerhole on Whateley's property. An excellent tale of youthful terror by Michael Minnis.
The Last Survivor by Sean Rodgers
The fall of mankind and the return of the Great Old Ones comes not with a bang—but a terrifying whimper. From Sean Rodgers.
Lovecraftian Cliff Notes by Franklyn Searight
Frank Searight is back, this time with a new series of poems titled Lovecraftian Cliff Notes. Each is everything you've come to expect from Mr. Searight, written with a skillful hand to make you think with the minds of the main characters as puzzlement leads to realization of death and the very loss of their soul.
The Mines of Waard by C.B. Leonard
Antique collectors abound, but few are lucky enough to find the once in a life-time piece that will guarantee financial freedom. But what price is one willing to pay for that freedom after all? Tucked in the back hills, hidden from life, a dark secret seethes and propagates, waiting for the time it will be set free to smother the world.
The Prodigies of Monkfield Cabot by Michael Minnis
Asenath Waite, daughter of the wizard Ephriam, is looking for a good man. Jonathan Dimsdale, dabbler in the occult, seeks knowledge and enlightenment. The great Monkfield Cabot, medium extraordinaire, is perfectly happy to fulfill the wishes of both...if Jonathan's meddlesome friend can be removed first...
R'lyeh Fthagn by Brandon Seifert
We've all heard of crossing the gray line that exists between the worlds of reality and nightmares, but when it yields physical results, what can one do to make things right? Dire results await those whose minds wander to far into darkness during the hours of sleep in this tale of ethereal terror.
R'lyeh Rising by John R. Fultz
Witness the rebirth of R'lyeh in all its horrific splendor. A poem of terror by John R. Fultz.
The Statue by Sean Rodgers
Meddling in the dark arts has its price, especially when you've got no idea what you're dealing with in the first place. A short story by Sean Rodgers.
Third Shift by Kevin Carson
How many jobs have applied for only to be turned down flat? Wouldn't it be nice to be selected for a job that offers good money, great benefits, and guaranteed longetivity? Normally yes, except when the job is at the Armitage Library at MU. Check out this piece by Kevin Carson.
Twilight of the Elder Gods by Dan Clore
The search for the strangeness festering in the souls of man, even as a pastime, should never be taken lightly. Too much knowledge may not be such a good thing, and may yield unexpected changes, both mentally as well as physically—not necessarily for the better.
The Ultimate Evil by Bruce Turlish
Cthulhu meets vampire in this tale of battle for the world (not to mention livestock) between the Lord of R'lyeh and the oldest of the children of the night, Nosferatu. By Bruce Turlish.
Wings in the Night by Edward P. Berglund
The world of ultimate terror can be held at bay with the light of a single candle, but what happens when that candle goes out. A deal wrought in blood and darkness offers no light at the end of the tunnel. Reprinted with permission of the author for your enjoyment.
Word Made Flesh by Ben Kowalski
Secrets...we all have them, some worth keeping, some worth never knowing. What is the real secret of humanity? Where do we come from, where are we going? But the one secret that promises to drive us insane is simply what are we...really?
If you have a story or poem that has a place here in the Crypt, follow the instructions on the Submission Page to send in your work. The NetherReal publishes all levels of expertise, from novice writers to professionals. Everyone should get a chance to see what others think of their work. Don't delay.